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Christof Wandratsch tows an 80-tonne catamaran in the Kalura bay
A rope, the sea of the Hotel Kalura bay and an 80-tonne sailing catamaran. Swimming champion Christof Wandratsch towed it for 270 metres. One of the craziest things we’ve ever filmed.
A crazy idea, a real champion
Christof Wandratsch is a long-distance swimmer, ice swimmer and world champion. With him we had already lived one of our wildest adventures: swimming 10 km in the open sea from Finale di Pollina to Hotel Kalura. But Christof never stops.
The same summer, in the Hotel Kalura bay in Cefalù, he took on a new challenge: towing a sailing catamaran of around 80 tonnes for 270 metres.
Watch more on our YouTube channel.
How do you tow a boat like that
It’s not just about strength. At first the boat is standing still and it seems impossible to move: you need steady pulling, without jerks. Once the hull picks up speed, momentum works in your favour and the tow becomes a matter of endurance, technique and mindset.
What it teaches us
- Consistency beats strength: small, continuous movements move huge things.
- The mind matters: ice swimmers know the limit is often mental.
- Respect the sea: challenges like this are only done with experienced people, support boats and calm sea conditions.
Christof is also a big name in ice swimming: at the World Championships in Bled he swam for Addicted To Nature and won several gold medals.
Where it happened
The Hotel Kalura bay
- Crystal-clear sea below the hotel in Cefalù
- Diving, snorkelling and bike station
- The finish of our 10 km swim
Frequently asked questions
Who is Christof Wandratsch?
A German long-distance and ice swimmer and world champion, with whom Addicted To Nature has shared several adventures.
How heavy was the catamaran?
Around 80 tonnes. Christof towed it for 270 metres in the Hotel Kalura bay.
Where was the video filmed?
In the bay of Hotel Kalura in Cefalù, Sicily.
Can you try a challenge like this?
Only with a lot of experience, calm sea conditions and support in the water. It’s not something to improvise.
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